Italy is set to embark on an ambitious project to bolster its naval capabilities, with plans to launch the procurement process for two next-generation destroyers for the Italian Navy on February 18. The initiative, valued at an estimated 2.7 billion euros (approximately $3.17 billion), marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s maritime defense assets.
These advanced destroyers are being constructed by the Italian shipbuilding firm Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. They are intended to replace the aging Durand de la Penne-class destroyers that have been operational since the early 1990s, reflecting a substantial modernization effort within the Italian naval fleet.
Designated as DDX, the new vessels will be an evolution of the Italian Navy’s FREMM Evolution (EVO) frigate class, which is currently under construction and derives from the well-regarded FREMM multipurpose frigate design that is already in service.
The roots of this extensive vessel program date back to 2020, when a preliminary study was commissioned to develop and acquire these next-generation destroyers. Originally, the planning phase anticipated a two-year risk-reduction period, followed by the awarding of a production contract in 2023, with commissioning expected approximately five years thereafter. However, complications in defining the operational requirements led to a delay in the production contract by three years, as reported by Infodifesa.
The expected specifications for these destroyers indicate they will measure approximately 175 meters (574 feet) in length, with a beam of 24 meters (79 feet) and a draught of 9 meters (29 feet). They are designed to accommodate a crew of over 300 personnel, according to statements from the then Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis.
In terms of performance, the vessels are projected to achieve a maximum speed exceeding 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) and will be powered by a CODOGAL (Combined Diesel or Gas and Electric) propulsion system.
Regarding armaments, the destroyers are anticipated to be outfitted with six eight-cell missile launchers, providing a total of 48 cells for various missile types. The vessels are expected to carry Aster anti-air missiles along with land-attack options such as the naval variant of the SCALP missile or the Teseo Mk2 Evolved anti-ship missile, both of which will enhance their capability to strike targets in coastal environments, according to De Carolis.
Moreover, the ships are designed with operational versatility in mind, featuring a rear helicopter deck and a hangar capable of housing two Navy EH101 helicopters or two SH90 helicopters.
As Italy advances with this procurement process, it underscores a commitment to maintaining a capable maritime force in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
